Upper back exercises

Barbell Bench Mid Row

Also known as: Rowing à la barre debout sur banc · Κωπηλατική με μπάρα πάνω σε πάγκο · Straight Bar Bench Mid Rows · straight bar bench mid row

Primary
Upper back
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Beginner
Type
Compound
Force
Pull
Suggested rest
1.5 min

How to do the Barbell Bench Mid Row

  1. Place a loaded barbell on the end of a bench. Standing on the bench behind the bar, take a medium, pronated grip. Stand with your hips back and chest up, maintaining a neutral spine. This will be your starting position.

  2. Row the bar to your torso by retracting the shoulder blades and flexing the elbows. Use a controlled movement with no jerking.

  3. After a brief pause, slowly return the bar to the starting position, ensuring to go all the way down.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth3–48–121.5 min
Muscular endurance2–315–201 min

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 2.5 kg (5 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Upper back

Secondary

Biceps, Lats

Rhomboids, mid traps and rear delts hold your shoulder blades in place. Rows, face pulls and reverse flyes build thickness and healthier shoulders.

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Barbell upper back exercises